Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Mixology as a career option

Mixology
in simple words is the art of preparing mixed drinks. The drinks
prepared as a result of employing this technique might be alcoholic
as well as non alcoholic.

Finely
mixed drinks always leave an impression. While even the best variant
of your favorite drink might end as a short-term memory, the mystery
behind the unusual punch that took you by surprise in the late night
party will linger on your taste buds till the morning after. Be it
martini, tequila or whiskey, a different mixture of the components
each time is what adds the variety to your life.

Mixology
is also a good career prospect as they are and will always be fewer
in number than bartenders. Social Elite Staffing describes the ratio
of bartenders to guests as 1:100 for parties and 1:75 for weddings.
Imagine, if in a party with a crowd of more than thousand guests,
there is only one mixologist, how much special and demanded he’s
gonna be.

What
makes mixologists needed

Most
people who have tried to unwrap the basics behind making a cocktail
would know that the basic components of a cocktail are the base, the
modifying agent and flavors and colors. But what after that? Do you
all know the various categories of mixes and cocktails, what is the
basic differentiating factor between a Daiquiri and Jack Rose?

In
today’s party-crazy world, having a good knowledge of mixology can
help you a great deal as the person who can take control of the party
can take control of a lot of things, and drinks are the trump card.

Mixologists,
with more extensive and in-depth training than bartenders, know the
most unique things about drink recipes, sour drinks, non alcoholic
drinks and a lot more, and can use this knowledge to the best of
their advantage.

The
art of mixing drinks

The
art of mixing is one art anyone and everyone who has a taste for fine
drinking would love to possess. As suggested in David A. Embury’s
classic cocktail book The
Fine Art of Mixing Drinks,
some of the basics that need to be ensured for a quality cocktail are
that the quality of liquor should be absolutely top-class, not
containing heavy agents. It should also have a good appearance and
aroma.

Mixologists
would know how to use substituting agents and how small additions can
modify the taste and the overall effect of the drink. Icing is
another important aspect that will be covered in all mixology courses
around the world, because, as you know, people have different
preferences for temperatures.

Schools
and courses

Some
of the popular schools and universities that are imparting education
and professional courses on mixology are The Columbia School of
Mixology, University of Mixology (California), Mixology Group (UK),
Professional Bartending Schools of America (all over America) and
Universalclass.com (Online class). Myles Cunliffe, the director of
Mixology Group says "Once you've completed our course, we
believe that we've provided you the knowledge and confidence to go
out and get a higher profile job. Meaning you can enjoy work more,
get better pay and have more time off."

Myles Cunliffe, Director, Mixology Group, teaching a few tricks of the trade to prospective mixologists.

While
studying mixology from these universities, you would learn it from
expert, experienced mixologists and bartending experts who have
traveled all around the world; with hands on practical teaching,
allowing you to make the mistakes. You can also try online classes,
which are imparted through videos or video conferencing.

While
each school or university has a different course curriculum, the
major aspects that will be covered in most mixology-based bartending
course would include drink recipes, garnishes, basics of and around
the bar, pricing, serving techniques, substitutes, inventory
management and of course, the liquor laws.

Whichever
school you learn from, make sure your mind is always open to new
ideas, from within and from others. Wisdom is one of the key drivers
of smartness, and one who is wise can lead the way.

A
good knowledge of the various mixtures can help you impress friends,
win over dates, win competitions and land a job, or if lucky, a
business opportunity. The scope of learning and winning in the field
of mixology is infinite, it’s just up to you how you tap your
potential.